Nottingham Forest reject Manchester City’s £120m Elliot Anderson approach

Nottingham Forest have turned down another substantial approach from Manchester City for England midfielder Elliot Anderson, even as City intensify their summer pursuit of the player.

The new package is believed to reach £120 million, with £106 million proposed up front and the balance tied to add-ons. Forest also rejected a previous offer and are still refusing to move below their asking price.

Should the transfer eventually be completed, Anderson would set a new record for an English footballer. The current mark is Declan Rice’s £105 million transfer from West Ham United to Arsenal in 2023.

Anderson, 23, is understood to prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium ahead of other possibilities, and agreeing personal terms is not expected to create difficulty.

Manchester United are no longer considered serious contenders, having opted not to get drawn into an auction. Their position is to concentrate on targets who are fully committed to joining them.

City’s admiration for Anderson dates back to his emergence at Newcastle United. He remains among their leading midfield targets as they plan for changes in that area, with Bernardo Silva expected to leave when his contract expires.

Anderson is currently with England as preparations continue for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Club-to-club talks can still proceed while he is away on international duty.

He played in England’s 3-0 friendly victory over Costa Rica on Wednesday, their last warm-up fixture before opening the tournament against Croatia on June 17th.

Anderson was among Nottingham Forest’s best players last season, contributing as the club reached the Europa League semi-finals and stayed in the Premier League. That campaign also included major instability, with four managers taking charge at different points.

Since leaving Newcastle for Forest in 2024 in a £35 million deal, Anderson has made 92 appearances and scored six times.

City are also keeping tabs on other midfielders, including Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, as they shape plans for the coming season.